Welcome back to another round of MLB Best Bets Today as the 2025 baseball season rolls on. 

Monday’s MLB slate is a smaller one, with 9 games on the baseball schedule. Even so, there are plenty of ways to go for our MLB picks and predictions as the playoff races heat up. Let’s focus on two games for our MLB best bets today before dishing out a few baseball player props and other picks to consider. 

The MLB picks below are accurate as of this writing, but some odds or lines could move before first pitch. All bets below are for one unit unless otherwise noted. Without further ado, let’s dive into our MLB Best Bets Today.

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 9/15

Our MLB Best Bets Today feature a pair of divisional matchups. The Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers with plenty of playoff implications on the line. Plus, the Chicago Cubs look to stay hot against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don’t miss more MLB picks and player props below. Check out these MLB predictions to make as you enjoy Monday’s baseball action. 

 

 

 

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions: Monday, September 15th

As we head into the final weeks of the regular season, the NL Wild Card race is clearing up. The Cubs appear locked into the first spot, with even a very small chance at winning the NL Central. Let’s go back to Chicago today on the road against the Pirates. 

Cubs starter Jameson Taillon has looked good after returning from an injury in August. He has a 2.35 ERA over 3 starts since re-joining the rotation. He’s also now allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 9 of his last 11 starts. This is an extended run, outside of a couple of hiccups, in which Taillon has been consistently productive. 

The Chicago right-hander will now face the hapless Pirates. The offense is averaging just 2.6 runs per game over a current 1-9 stretch. Pittsburgh has especially struggled against righties over the past two weeks, with a .252 wOBA (29th in MLB) and 56 wRC+ (29th). It’s a good matchup for Taillon, who tossed 6.1 innings of 2-run ball against this lineup in June. 

Meanwhile, the Cubs can get to Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft on the other side. The rookie boasts a strong 2.47 ERA this year, but his 3.54 xERA and 3.64 xFIP point to negative regression. This will also be the third time Chicago has seen the right-hander this season. 

The Cubs present a challenge with above-average numbers vs. righties this month (.321 wOBA, 109 wRC+). Ashcraft’s innings will likely be limited today as the Pirates monitor his workload. That would leave a shaky bullpen to cover the majority of the game, which is good news for the Cubs. The Pittsburgh pen has a 4.21 ERA and 4.40 FIP over the past two weeks. 

 

 

 

Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros Predictions: Monday, September 15th

This week’s series between the Astros and Rangers is a massive one. Heading into Monday’s matchup, Houston is 1 game back of the Mariners in the division and currently holding the third AL Wild Card spot. Meanwhile, Texas is very much alive as it trails the Astros by 2 games in the standings. Let’s get some action on tonight’s showdown. 

Astros starter Jason Alexander has a 4.19 ERA overall this season. Yet, he’s been a lot better since joining Houston from the Athletics in June. He owns a 2.82 ERA in 11 outings with the ‘Stros so far. Plus, that includes a 2.20 ERA over his past 7 starts. 

The right-hander can keep it going in a favorable home matchup today. The Rangers have subpar numbers vs. righties in September, with a .283 wOBA (26th in MLB) and 80 wRC+ (23rd). Alexander just tossed 7 shutout innings against a tougher Toronto offense last week. 

On the other side, Texas starter Jack Leiter can also be effective in his own right. The young righty is pitching well recently. He boasts a 2.94 ERA over 10 starts since the All-Star break. That includes a 2.66 ERA and 1.58 FIP over his past 4 outings. The Astros present a challenge, but Leiter should be good enough. 

Take the under in this AL West matchup. Leiter and Alexander can set the tone for a low-scoring contest. Both bullpens have been solid this month as well, which should make runs tough to come by in the latter innings. 


 

 

 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 9/15

 

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